Why do I need earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.</p><p>You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.</p></div>

What can I expect during the earthquake retrofitting process?

• <div><p>First, you can expect the project to be loud. If you have pets, you might want to take them to a friend's house during the day so they are not disturbed by any of the loud noises. In addition, you’ll need to provide the retrofit team access to areas of the house that will need to be worked on, meaning you’ll need to relocate personal items, clear clutter, and make pathways for the crew. Once the project is complete, a local building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the retrofitting is up to code.</p></div>

How much does it cost to retrofit a house for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Costs vary as much as timelines. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-earthquake-retrofitting-cost.htm">earthquake retrofit costs</a> between <b>$3,500 and $8,700</b>. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.</p></div>

How do I prevent future damage?

• <div><p>Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.</p></div>

Can I DIY an earthquake retrofit?

• <div><p>It is not advisable to try to retrofit your home without the expertise of a professional. These projects usually require a consultation with a structural engineer and a plumber for any gas-related adjustments. Working with a professional earthquake retrofitting contractor is the best way to ensure that any structural work done to your home will help protect you and your family. </p></div>

Top 10 Best Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Hills, IA

Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Hills

Acculevel Inc

Acculevel Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio and been in business since 1996. Most of our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- possibly the most valuable investment you'll ever make. A dry home is a healthy home. Acculevel is committed to providing the most technologically advanced repairs to help keep your home dry and on a safe foundation. A strong foundation protects your home's structure, lowers utility bills and maintains the value of your property. Check our pictures for the signs & symptoms of foundation & water damage, and then call Acculevel for your free visual inspection. 1-866-669-3349

"Accu Level overpromised and underperformed. We reached out to have a simple job performed as part of selling our house. From the start, we were told the work could be performed prior to closing. Due to timing and this promise, we did not get any other bids. Upon receiving the contract, we paid the deposit within one hour. From this point on, there was no communication from the business that was not initiated by us. We texted our rep and called the office every day from this point on to see when the work would be scheduled. There was no proactive communication whatsoever. Finally, one day before closing, our real estate agent demand a date to be scheduled and it was scheduled two weeks after closing. Thankfully, we had a flexible buyer who was willing to close without the work being done. On the day the work was supposed to be scheduled, with no notice, it was postponed for another week and the buyer had to find a time to reschedule. This had to be communicated to me by my realtor and not the business. After the work was done, I reached out to our rep to explain how disappointed we were with the customer service. This was verbatim his response: "Please understand this is not our normal scenario and there were people let go/had responsibilities changed because of it." I asked to speak to his manager. Upon speaking with the manager, he said they weren't willing to do anything to make amends for the lack of customer service even with his rep openly admitting that they did not meet their promises. The manager quoted back terms of the contract to me that they are allowed to reschedule and I explained that this was not a contractual dispute, but a complaint about customer service when an employee openly admitted fault and he was not willing to take accountability for his employee. I asked to speak to his manager. This conversation happened two weeks ago and I'm still waiting for that call. Don't use this business if you want any level of customer service."

Patrick F on May 2025

"Accu Level overpromised and underperformed. We reached out to have a simple job performed as part of selling our house. From the start, we were told the work could be performed prior to closing. Due to timing and this promise, we did not get any other bids. Upon receiving the contract, we paid the deposit within one hour. From this point on, there was no communication from the business that was not initiated by us. We texted our rep and called the office every day from this point on to see when the work would be scheduled. There was no proactive communication whatsoever. Finally, one day before closing, our real estate agent demand a date to be scheduled and it was scheduled two weeks after closing. Thankfully, we had a flexible buyer who was willing to close without the work being done. On the day the work was supposed to be scheduled, with no notice, it was postponed for another week and the buyer had to find a time to reschedule. This had to be communicated to me by my realtor and not the business. After the work was done, I reached out to our rep to explain how disappointed we were with the customer service. This was verbatim his response: "Please understand this is not our normal scenario and there were people let go/had responsibilities changed because of it." I asked to speak to his manager. Upon speaking with the manager, he said they weren't willing to do anything to make amends for the lack of customer service even with his rep openly admitting that they did not meet their promises. The manager quoted back terms of the contract to me that they are allowed to reschedule and I explained that this was not a contractual dispute, but a complaint about customer service when an employee openly admitted fault and he was not willing to take accountability for his employee. I asked to speak to his manager. This conversation happened two weeks ago and I'm still waiting for that call. Don't use this business if you want any level of customer service."

Patrick F on May 2025